On the night of his 75th international cap, the Tottenham midfielder showed that he has made the most of the potential that saw him become Denmark's youngest debutant since Michael Laudrup, back in 2010.

The Spurs star, quiet and reserved, hasn't always been the most willing to lead from the front, but grabbed the bull by the horns with a standout display.

And as Eriksen confirmed his ascent into the very top level of international midfielders, it was perhaps ironic that Nicklas Bendtner would step from the Danish bench to offer the Coup de grâce, scoring the final goal of the night.

Eriksen was the star of the show (Image: AFP)

Bendtner celebrates his penalty (Image: AFP/Getty Images)

The ex-Arsenal man is viewed in as something of a cautionary tale in north London, having been a brash youngster who offered glimpses of talent, but failed to fully make the most of it at the Emirates.

Since then the 29-year-old has somewhat drifted around Europe, currently playing for Rosenborg when he should be at the apex of his career.

Yet while Eriksen and Bendtner come in on opposite sides of the North London divide, the pair combined to lead the celebrations after their Irish demolition - both on the field and in the dressing room.

Man of the hour (Image: REUTERS)

Eriksen celebrates with the fans (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

Nicklas Bendtner sprays Age Hareide (Image: Getty Images Europe)

After the final whistle, and with much of the Aviva Stadium deserted, the Danes celebrated with their travelling support, dancing, spraying beer over manager Age Hareide, and with a number of stars - including Eriksen - speaking to fans;former Cardiff striker Andreas Cornelius, now in Italian football with Atalanta, was handed a Viking helmet.

Throughout Eriksen was front and centre, a further showcase that this is now very much his side, and certainly in the eyes of the fans.

Back in the dressing room the fun continued, amid more beers and karaoke. Typically, Bendtner was front and centre, while Eriksen preferred to fade into the background, behind the camera.

Andreas Cornelius celebrates in a Viking helmet (Image: AFP)

Eriksen has emerged as Denmark's leader (Image: REUTERS)

More celebrations from the players (Image: AFP/Getty Images)

Hareide also took part in his post-match press conference, in which he praised Eriksen and thanked Ireland for the space they had afforded his danger man.

"Just to say, 'Thank you very much for giving us space,' because they locked us down in Parken very well and Eriksen was very much out of the game and today he was fantastic," said Hareide.

"He's a fantastic player on the ball and he works hard for the team all the time so he's an inspiration for all the lads around him.

"If you give him the ball, something happens, and I think that's the difference between the sides."